Competitive young forward Darcy Fogarty is set to play his first senior game this year after being named to face St Kilda on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.
The 19-year-old is one four additions to Adelaide’s team, alongside experienced trio Eddie Betts, Richard Douglas and Bryce Gibbs.
“Darcy’s form over the past month has been what we’ve been looking for from him,” Crows Head of Football Brett Burton said.
“We know what he’s capable of: he’s very competitive and brings a contest so we’re looking forward to seeing him back out there.”
Coach Don Pyke confirmed on Thursday morning fan favourite Betts would return to the side after impressing in the SANFL last Saturday.
BETTS IS BACK: Eddie earns senior recall
Douglas and Gibbs also earned senior recalls on the back of standout performances in the SANFL Crows’ two-point loss to ladder leaders Glenelg.
“Dougy and Bryce have shown consistent form over the past month and produced impressive games in the SANFL on the weekend,” Burton said.
“Both are high-level players who have maintained great attitudes.”
Josh Jenkins, Paul Seedsman, Tyson Stengle and Patrick Wilson have all been omitted.
Burton said Jenkins and Seedsman had struggled to produce consistent performances.
“We’re looking for consistency out of Josh in all phases of the game,” Burton said.
“Our forward line is not functioning quite at the level we need it to, so we bring Darcy in to give us a different look.
“Paul has unfortunately not been producing the level of consistency we’re used to seeing from him.
“He’s a high quality player that we want to see back at the level we know he can play at.”
OPPO: Saints make one change
Burton said it was unfortunate for Stengle and Wilson who make way for the experience of Betts and Douglas.
“It’s not ideal for a young player to go in and out of the side,” Burton said.
“Tyson came in for Eddie who performed really well in the SANFL and unfortunately that is the nature of selection.
“Paddy unfortunately didn’t perform to the level we know he can produce.”
Adelaide will host St Kilda at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night from 7.10pm ACST. Great tickets still available through Ticketek.
The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Channel 7 Adelaide from 7pm local time.
Adelaide’s Round 20 side is…
IN - Gibbs, Betts, Douglas, Fogarty
OUT - Jenkins, Seedsman, Stengle, Wilson
